Igreja do Bonfim

Category: Education

The most important church in Salvador is definitely not a site to be missed. Visit the museum upstairs where hundreds of artificial limbs and body parts are displayed attesting to the cures and miracles performed by Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Every year, on the second Thursday of January, the Igreja do Bonfim is the destination of an 8km procession originating from the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao da Praia (near the Elevador Lacerda). The holiday, called Lavagem do Bonfim, is named after the ritual washing of the church stairs by hundreds of baianas dressed in white and carrying vases of white flowers. As the saying goes "Quem tem fe, vai a pe" (Who has faith, goes on foot). Thousands of believers wearing white follow the procession, after which profane festivities commence.